Planet Shark Fitness : Banish Cellulite With The Right Foods, Exercise and Hydration!

Banish Cellulite With The Right Foods, Exercise and Hydration!
by Sally Hughes
Founder of Planet Shark Fitness / Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist

Since cellulite affects 90% of women of all shapes and sizes, a frequent question I'm asked is how to reduce it if not eliminate it completely. While there are no magic potions and liposuction can actually make it worse, you can dramatically improve its appearance and quite possibly banish it for good via proper nutrition, exercise and hydration.

In order to fully understand this process, it's not only crucial to know what cellulite is, it's of equal importance to know what might have caused it.

In simple terms, cellulite is a collection of fat that pushes the connective tissue beneath the skin causing 'dimpled' changes in its appearance. Cellulite is far more prevalent in women than men because of differences in the way fat, muscle and connective tissue are distributed under the skin. And while it's a bit more common amongst those who are overweight, many slim women also have cellulite.

Now that you know what cellulite is, the following theories may provide some insight as to why you got it in the first place:

    •    Hormonal factors such as excessive amounts of estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin.
    •    Genetics including gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.
    •    Diets that are deficient in fiber, antioxidants, micro-nutrients and proper hydration yet high in unhealthy fats, simple carbs, sodium and other toxins.
    •    Lifestyle factors such as too little exercise and too much sitting, smoking and chronic stress.
    •    Certain clothing may also play a role in that underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks limits blood flow. Since poor circulation is definitely a contributor, avoiding tight clothing, under-garments and even socks may be beneficial.

That said, it's time to reveal the best ways to safely reduce - if not banish - your cellulite - for good!

1. Proper Nutrition: Since cellulite is often caused by poor eating habits, make sure to consume lots of fruits and veggies that contain antioxidants and help your body shed toxins. Berries are particularly good as are bananas, foods rich in vitamin C, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Avoid processed fatty foods which are full of additives, sodium and sweeteners that can cause toxin-overload and lead to more cellulite.

2. Optimum Hydration: A fluid build-up can trigger cellulite, so along with drinking plenty of water (as in 3/4 to 1 ounce per pound of body weight), include 'edible diuretics' in your diet. Try cucumber, celery, onions and asparagus for starters and note that ALL produce bearing large amounts of water will serve you well as good natural diuretics. Potassium supplements may also be beneficial - but ask your doctor first.

3. Better Fitness: YES, you can significantly reduce cellulite if not eliminate it by getting your fitness game on! Best bet? Strength training. Worst bet? Cardio. Strength training is vital in reducing cellulite because it increases muscle tone, decreases body fat, and raises your metabolism like mad. In fact, for every pound of lean muscle you build, you'll burn an additional 50 calories a day - even while you sleep. Although lifting weights might not replace cardio training's benefits for your heart (unless you only rest 30 seconds between sets - in which case it does), doing cardio does not tone muscles - much less build 'em. And since building muscle is a major player in the battle against cellulite, get off that treadmill and squat!